Loser No. 2
Commanders OL
We'll put the entire offensive line together rather than single anybody out. This was an afternoon to forget for the protection in front of Jayden Daniels.
The protection was dealt a blow shortly before the game when starting center Tyler Biadasz couldn't go due to illness. To say his presence was sorely missed would be an understatement.
Michael Deiter came in for Biadasz and failed to meet expectations. He isn't a starting-caliber performer. It was an obvious downgrade that had a ripple effect on everybody else.
The New Orleans Saints smelled blood and capitalized accordingly. Right tackle Andrew Wylie returned to the lineup but was his inconsistent self. Things weren't much better on the blindside. Their interior was adequate, but it was more sloppy than usual from the guard tandem of Sam Cosmi and Nick Allegretti.
Daniels was sacked eight times. He walked into a couple, but the offensive line was responsible for the large majority. Hopefully, this is just a blip rather than anything more concerning.
We'll find out for sure when the Commanders take on a phenomenal Philadelphia Eagles defensive front this weekend.
Winner No. 3
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
The Commanders have a star on their hands in Mike Sainristil. While rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels gains the majority of national attention with good reason, general manager Adam Peters secured another future cornerstone piece in the gifted defensive back during his first draft at the helm.
Sainristil overcame some early jitters to become a huge part of Washington's defensive strategy. His transition from the slot to the boundary went extremely well. It's also something the Commanders are intent on moving forward with despite the return of Marshon Lattimore.
The No. 50 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft looked assured in coverage more often than not. Sainristil gained two pass breakups and an interception during another stylish display. He's not the finished product yet, but the early returns on this investment are immensely encouraging.
Having Lattimore locking up one side of the field means opposing offenses will target Sainristil a lot more down the stretch. Fortunately for the Commanders, the Michigan product looks more than capable of coping with the spotlight glaring.